A lieutenant at Barrow County Emergency Services and his pregnant daughter remained hospitalized Monday following a Christmas Day shooting in which each lost a portion of a limb from being struck by the same bullet.

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said a family argument between Lt. Todd Orr and two of his daughters culminated in violence shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday after Orr picked up a loaded, .270-calibre hunting rifle that was in his bedroom.

He told deputies that he had intended to leave the house and to take his gun with him. However, his daughters believed he was going to commit suicide, Smith said.

As the daughters and a male relative struggled with Orr over the rifle, it discharged.

The fast-moving cartridge partially severed a forearm of the pregnant daughter, Tiffany Thomas, whose first baby is due in weeks. The bullet then tore through Orr’s hand and ripped off at least two fingers before entering his abdomen, traveling up through his chest cavity, and out his back.

“One shot was fired,” Smith said. “This was a very fast-traveling bullet. So that did some damage.”

Orr and Thomas both are being treated at Athens Regional Medical Center. Surgeons amputated the daughter’s forearm.

“They’re recovering from very serious wounds,” Smith said, noting that the unborn baby appears to be OK.

The sheriff said the matter is still under investigation, and sorting out precisely what happened has been complicated.

Investigators are still trying to verify what sparked the argument.

Smith said the family had celebrated the holiday at a relative’s house and had arrived at Orr’s home shortly before the incident unfolded.

“A drinking glass was thrown at Todd,” Smith said. “He threw a beer can at Tiffany and allegedly goes into the bedroom, and gets a gun…

“None of the people we interviewed can say who pulled the trigger. We’ve got three people pulling and jerking this thing and trying to get the gun away from Todd, and it goes off.”

The sheriff said that despite the severity of his wounds, Orr was "walking around coherent" when deputies arrived.

"It’s lucky no one died," Smith said. "Anytime this happens, on any day, it's tragic. It’s even more tragic on Christmas Day. It’s just terrible.”

The sheriff said some emergency services personnel responding to the scene did not initially realize it was Orr's family home.

"From what I understand, there was a big outcry," Smith said. "The Orr family is very well known in Barrow County."

Though the gun may have been fired accidentally, criminal charges are a possibility, Smith said.

But before charging anyone, the sheriff said he would discuss the findings of the investigation with District Attorney Brad Smith.

“Once we get through investigating, we are going to consult with the DA to see if charges are going to apply for this case,” the sheriff said. “It’s very complicated, because we’ve got all these different stories from witnesses…”

Since news of the incident broke Sunday morning, local bloggers have strongly questioned why Orr was not immediately charged with a crime.

“It’s not up to us to prosecute it,” the sheriff said. “It’s up to the D.A.’s office and the court system. We merely investigate the case, and because both Todd and his daughter are in the hospital, we didn’t feel it was necessary at the time of the incident to lock him up and take him into custody.”

He did note that Orr is “quarantined” at the hospital and under around-the-clock observation.

“I will tell you this: In this sheriff’s office, it is my policy to investigate every crime to the best of our ability and to attempt to present a reasonable, lawful case to the D.A.’s office for prosecution in the court system,” Smith said. “We don’t play favorites here. We investigate the case, attempt to find probable cause and move forward.”

Orr has been employed by Barrow County's government for five years and was among 17 applicants for the vacant fire chief position that is to be filled in early 2011.

Barrow County Commission Chairman Danny Yearwood said Monday that the county would launch an internal investigation of the incident.

"I am sure we are going to launch our own investigation," Yearwood said. "We've got to make sure we are going by county personnel policy. I will make sure of that when I get back."

Interim emergency services chief John Skinner said Monday: "This is still an active investigation by the Sheriff's department, therefore I will not comment on this unfortunate incident other than to
ask that everyone continues to support and pray for the Orr family during this difficult time."

It seems like there is a little good 'ol boy action going on here. It sounds as if Jud is playing a little favoritism, maybe he contributed to his campaign...who knows.
Prosecute the LT. you just fired a deputy over a "dispute"

Look and listen to you people. So quick to point a finger, place blame, and be "enraged". You were not there. You don't know what happened. You probably don't even know the Orr family. This is not a political story. It is a sad story. Why would Todd want to die? Maybe you think his family should have let him do it? No! Maybe you think Todd should be charged? That is not your call! Todd apparently had problems already. How do you think he feels now? He has a tough road ahead already. Pray for Todd and his family and those of you without sin... may cast the first stone!

First, anyone who is willing to slam our elected officials in a public forum, but doesn't have the backbone to post your name is a coward & I don't give anything you have to say ANY merit.

As for the Orr family, I don't know what happened but if Todd was so distressed that he picked up a weapon against himself then he needs support and help. Last time I checked, suicide isn't a crime. If his daughter tried to stop him & was injured in the process, I'm pretty sure that isn't a crime. Thankfully, her baby is doing well. They will all need a lot of support to move foward from this; not to be crucified by the public.

The crime would be Reckless Endangerment. According to Georgia Code (16-5-60), "A person who causes bodily harm to or endangers the bodily safety of another person by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that his act or omission will cause harm or endanger the safety of the other person and the disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would exercise in the situation is guilty of a misdemeanor."

Alcohol and guns do not mix. For this crime, the courts will say that intent and purpose behind such acts do not matter as long as it is something that a "reasonable person" would not do. Obviously, the Lt. Orr's actions are indeed a "gross deviation" that caused severe harm.

Several victims were placed in harm. It is the duty of the police to give society's response to crimes. The personal grievances of the family do not matter. Our system does not allow for crimes to be handled within families. Also, think of all the families that have to go through such grief after their family member commits a crime. It comes along with the crime and cannot be excused. The grief of the family does not excuse the crime. You see the consequences inflicted on family members every day in the media. While we all feel for the families, the police must do their job.

Furthermore, publicity of potentially committed crimes is a major part of our system. Nearly all arrests (and not just convictions) are purposely reported in the newspapers as a method of deterrence of others committing the same crimes.

I feel horribly for the Orr family. I wish them the best. But we live in a world of justice, equality, and reality. Lt. Orr should be prosecuted.

Attempted suicide is a crime. Intoxication is a crime. Drunken discharge of a firearm is a crime. Any of these in a so-called public safety worker is intolerable.

#1.4
Cowetan Glad He's Here and Not there to BE Judged by U perfect folks.
on
12/27/10 at 01:16 PM

as Jack Nicholson said in "A Few Good Men", "You......ing people." well u know what he said... Anyone who can cast a stone over such an awful situation, deserve anything and everything that may come your way; Bad/Awful or otherwise. It's so ez to get on a place like this and slam someone down. You got bb's for you know whats is all I got to say. Shame on you, and go take a GOOD look in the mirror. Perfection is so prevalent these days it's unreal!!! So many perfect people up that way.. Maybe I should relocate? Will you share your secrets please???

Best wishes goes out to the Orr Family. No one really knows what went on, but it was a tragic accident with everyone coming out being okay. Jud Smith is a great Cop and this is not a time to blame him for someones mistake. Lets pray for the Orr family that peace will return to their home and hearts.

However, it seems that a crime was committed here if the facts are indeed as they are described. Alcohol is no defense. Crimes must be accounted for and favoritism should not be allowed. The Lieutenant should know better. I agree, prosecute him.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Orr family. Why do you want to prosecute someone that was causing harm to himself. We as humans should give a hand out and help, he obviously was struggling with something and wanted to end his own life, so we are to punish them, how about Barrow County offer him help, isn't that what we are called to do as Christians. I do not think all people who are suicidal should go to jail or be prosecuted, I think his family were very heroic for keeping one of them alive. I think instead of quarterbacking our sheriff lets just pray for the family and hope they will heal emotionally as well as physically.

they need your prayers right now. The daughter is lucky to be alive. Since she was (is) pregnant, I hope the baby is okay. Lt. Orr, will have to live with this the rest of his life. His daughter will have to live with this the rest of her life.

People -- guns and booze do not mix.

While I feel for this family, and pray for them, I think Lt. Orr should face charges.

It is Christmas and I wish the Orr family well. Do not jump to conclusions and let the Sheriff office do its job. We do not know what happened and to all that are complaining have you never made a mistake? I have not seen Todd in many years but I know him to be a good man and loves his family. What ever happened he will live with it for the rest of his life. If you think the Sheriff is playing favorites, I do not think so he is a true professional and has a great office.

tough times... but the sheriff just fired one of his own for domestic dispute. This is a serious domestic issue here as violence was actually perpetrated. There shouldn't be any excuses. This man need to be fired then prosecuted.

The case is now before the SUPREME COURT. Justice will be rendered to all parties involved as we pray for healing and restoration. A new soul has been born and hopefully will be the bridge to bring peace into this situation.

Well Well out of the sheriff's mouth the family is well known if you have ever worked for a sheriff's office you know you will demoted to jailer if you write those campaign contributers a ticket. Someone could have died and it looks accidental? A domestic a gun and people got shot and oh well were looking into it? Are you kidding me? I got slammed for my post about the deputy just asking for a complete investigation before firing him and oh no he dont deserve that he is at will the civil servants in barrow have no right is what i was told and oh my a complete 180 for folks that fork jud the money every four years. Good ol boy at work. We have a politician and thats right we see he is no longer a cop he is a politician when you got to worry about 2012 more than justice what does that say? That says you walk with shooting your daughter. Keep electing them Barrow.

Where does it say HE SHOT HIS DAUGHTER? Please post on what you know, not what you want to read into it. No wonder people dont agree with you. You post on what you THINK happened. If you have more facts than the rest of us, please tell us.

what does Jud Smith have to do with the private lives of county employees? People are going to do, what people want to do with or without a boss or spouse. Stop blaming people for the problems others create for themselves and their innocent family members.

I agree with some of the others who commented about him needing to be charged. Even if he was trying to take his own life, the daughter was injured as a result too. It does seem like he will be given special treatment, hopeful I'm wrong since it says the matter is still under investigation. We shall see.

First of all, for us that actually know all the facts this is CLEARLY not an accident. This is STUPIDITY and IMMATURITY!!!! I think that if Todd was any kind of man as you all claim he would have done the "RIGHT" thing and walked away.. That's his CHILD and GRANDCHILD, he almost took two lives!! Good thing Tiff is strong!! If he's man enough to pick up that bottle and pick up a gun too then he should be man enough to have walked away knowing all his daughter wanted was to take the gun and talk to him about the situation. GROW up!! Really?? This is terrible! I can't understand how a "man" of his stature that is thought so "well" of can let his community down!! Not only his community but his family! I don't care what kind of problems he has... Todd should be prosecuted. He shouldn't be let go with just a slap on the hand. Just because he is one "BARROW COUNTY'S FINEST" don't mean a thing. Hey, by the way, wasn't one of Barrow County's deputies just fired in a domestic dispute?? No one was hurt, but in this, two people were shot with a third life in the balance.. MY POINT EXACTLY!! Say what you want but that's the FACTS!

Ok so I don't know who you are but this is his daughter and before you point your fingers you might need to know ALL the facts. You're an idiot. He didn't shoot her and that was not his intentions. so congrats on being an ass during this time. Thank you oh so much! And next time write your name.

For the community I am Hosting A Baby Dalton Benefit for Tiffany and Her Family! This will consist of Anything that will help Baby Dalton Tiffany and Dustin out in This Tragic time.. The Date Is Friday Dec 31st, from 1:30-6:00 Pm At the hair gallery if you want to bring things before then she will be opened at 10:00 am and there will be a sign in sheet!! Please everybody think of the family and stop with all the rude comments!!! Lets all come together as a community and help Tiff out!

At this present time we must step back and let our county work for us, We must Pray that they look to the LORD for guidance on this matter. Although we all know Alcohol & Guns don't mix, I'm sure it was accidental,he would not mean to harm a family member I would hope but with going to commit suicide why would you want to do so in front of your family because you are calling out for help knowing that someone is going to stop you.If you have not dealt with depressive people or substance abuse you haven't a clue.

John at what point does your comment help this family i see you dont know them at all go ahead get your pain out threw this familys tragedy. and for Jud he will do his Job, i pray this never happens to your family and you have to see all this trash.

Let's put a stop to all the blame placing and lift these people up prayer. I have known the Orr family for good many years. Yes probably there were mistakes made. That doesn't mean we should pass judgment on this family. We were not there to know what really went on, only GOD above knows what really happened. Please don't pass judgment unless you were there to know what happened. We need to stand in the gap for Todd, Tiff and all the rest of the family with prayer and concern. Please let the sheriff dept. do their jobs with us passing judgment on the family or our local sheriff dept.

Bad thing about this is winder is a small town with alot of politics and favoritism, I hope he pays for this.he is well known in barrow co. so what,some people really dont know what he is like behind the scenes.
they should have let him do it, them maybe his daughter would still have two good arms to hold her sweet new baby.
I hope he dont get off.

I have known Todd for many years. This is a man that loves his children. He talks about them and their sports and schools proudly. With a smile on his face, he talks about his first grandchild that is to be born. I know what happened was awful, but a man in his right mind could not do what he done. After the death of his parents, he raised his younger siblings. He was still young himself, but done a great job. People are talking badly about a man that they do not even know!! Let's just pray for Todd that whatever is wrong he can get back to the man he once was. Just leave this family alone and let them work out their problems because Todd will have to look at his daughter everyday and remember what he has done. Best wishes to Tiffany and the baby!!!

Huh? A wonderful family man, great guy, had no intention to harm etc etc...got drunk, loves his kids, had a loaded rifle in the company of his pregnant daughter and other family...don't judge, mistakes were made, simply a tragic event.

I am confident that the sheriff and DA will, under scrutiny, take the right path here to see that justice is done.

In any event the man should no longer be in the county's employ. Sorry. Actions have consequences.

Ok, I know everyone has there on views on the situation, but for the families sake, take into consideration what they are going through and how hard this is on them. If u took two seconds to put yourselfs in their shoes, then u might look at it differently. How would you feel if u saw all these comments about your family, in sure it would upset u too. Those of yall pointing fingers and saying all this mean stuff, u have to be a heartless person. So maybe u should think before u say something. Please keep them in your prayers, and remember God won't put u through nothing u can't handle. And out of every situation comes a blessing.

I think some of you have an IQ of about 1. If you have some kind of rude comment about any of this shame on you. We should all unite in this time and just pray. If this was your family would you feel the same way, yet you can not say yes or no to this question. I pray that the Orr family finds peace and strength and the rest of you DA can just stick it, for acting so selfish when this family needs support from their community instead of bashing our political figures as well as the rest of the family. When there family reads these posts these are just has harmful as anything else. shame on y'all! Everyone who is being supportitve just keep on praying and you all are truly good people.

Just so yall know you charge the guy for cruelty to children && YES SHOOTIN HIS DAUGHTER. The thing is he was drunk and wanted to kill hisself... You people are crazy. oh I've known them forever who gives a dern! There was a child involved! && yeah he's up there in life so therefore he will get special treatment. Have some common sense people. The man deserves and should be charged. If he wanted to kill himself anyways you don't do it in front of people so everyone can see. HELLO? I hope he lives with it everyday he wakes up and sees his handsome grandson and beautiful daughter and what he did to their lives. Get mad if you want but i don't really care. I've spoke my mind and you can't change my decision. CHARGE HIM!

OK, read the article really well, it says that several family members tried to take the gun and it went off, that doesn't say that any one person pulled the trigger. If you have never dealt with family members who have been at this point, then you can't say what or how you would react. Please pray for all involved.

EVERY SINGLE FAMILY AND PERSON has problems. Some are worse than others. No one is perfect. This whole town makes me sick. Leave this family alone to deal with what has happened. This is CLASSIC WINDER! Everybody has got to RUN THAT MOUTH and be in everyone's business. Judge yourself, fools!

The sheriff made it political. If i am not a very well known family i get charged at the scene? I guess the deputy from last week was not well known and all the facts didnt need to come out before he was tried and convicted by judge jud and this guy is well known and it looks accidental?

mel williams are you literate? Did you read the article? Jud has do do with county employee's private life when they call the 9-1-1 get a politician line and ask for favors oh i mean help if you are a well known family. Old men get arrested for exercising his rights in his own home and now there is a lady with one arm and the guy walks. Mel Wiliiams go back to school and learn to read or at least see logically.

OK so instead of acting like you know everything stop and think of the family!! Stop writing stupid comments! Comments like these do nothing but HURT the family. Put yourself in the entire families shoes, how do you feel?
NOONE but the few that were there know exactly what happened. Maybe the community should come together as a support for the family.Maybe just Maybe the orr family needs everyone to STOP RUNNING there mouth and only speak words that they know are true.Please keep the Orr Family in you thoughts and Prayers!!!

I pray that Tifanny, her baby, her husband, her father and her entire family are ok. I pray that the Lord gives them strength to overcome such a tragic event. My heart goes out to the Thomas and Orr families.

Just a classic example of REDNECKS and ALCOHOL. He should be
charged with wreckless behavior and aggravated assault. Now his
daughter will pay for the rest of her life for his stupid self
centeredness. He is a disgrace to the Barrow Co EMS.

All of these negative comments do nothing. No one at all knows what was going thru todds mind or why he would want to kill himself. He did not shoot his daughter. The gun went off on ACCIDENT! Not on purpose. You people need to stop acting so foolish and leave it alone. If anything, this family needs prayer.. Not to be ridiculed by all of you ignorant people.

Excuse me, but no one is mentioning that it was apparently an attempted suicide. Isn't there a standard procedure that's followed by law enforcement is these cases, or do we allow the individual (once recovered) to return home to be with his alcohol and weapons. I believe some close supervision at a mental facility is in order as well as possible criminal charges.

First things first, i've known the Orr family for a while now and I love every single one of them. Any one who is posting negative comments, you need to stop. You have no idea what this family is going through and what even took place. Stop saying bad things about them, save some of that talking and pray for them. I know Todd and I love him and he is a good man, he wouldnt do something like this on purpose? He LOVES his daughters with all his heart and I know that. You know, people make stupid decisions sometimes, we all do, were all human, NO ONE IS PERFECT. So, save your rude comments, please. Pray for them, they need all the support they can get. You know I'm sure he's hurting just as bad as he can and is feeling like hell. but you know.... there is nothing you can do about it. I'm not saying he shouldn't have concenquences but he's got to live with this for the rest of his life... i think thats a pretty big concenquence it's self. I love you Orr family and i'm praying for yall every chance I get. You're contantly in my thoughts! Stay strong girls!!!

First of all, you inconsiderate people need to stop commenting on this because us as the family read these articles and seeing these comments hurt. Please have a little respect if you even know what that is...which I think you don't. None of you with the negative comments probably even know the face or my dad as a person. So shut your mouth. NOW. Delete the comments of the bad mouthing if you have any kind of heart because mistakes happen and NONE of you were there to see it. To the ones that save sent outpouring love and support thank you. Prayers are working and God does miracles and this is one. Please just keep remembering each of us in your prayers. Tiffany Dalton and Dad are doing well. God Bless all of YOU.

I am really upset with some of the comments that was given on here! Just try and put yourself in this situation! Depressions is a really sad disease and with out help it can be very bad!!! if you know someone with this disease PLEASE get them help before it is to late!

i have know this family for 25 years or more and I LOVE EACH OF THEM VERY MUCH! I know that when Todd realizes what has happened he is going to feel really bad and I pray that his family will be there to help him through this situation!

I am very thankful that Tiff and the baby are going good. I pray that God give Tiff the relieve in pain that she is needing since she can't take alot of pain meds for the baby sake!

May God be with this family and give them the peace and forgiveness they need to get through this!!!

To the Orr family. I know the three daughters and mom from church, never really met the father but what i do know is that this family is a strong willed respecting family. Who cares the reason or why this all happened as of right now everyone should be happy that the whole family and new *addition* (baby dalton) (: is ok. Seriously people wether or not he gets charged PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES! They are going through and extremely rough time right now so lets show a little respect and give them the love and support they deserve. If this was you would you want all this being said. Its pitiful how sorry WINDER is. For those of you who are just being supportive lets keep it coming. For those of you with the negativity GROW UP. Tiffany, Tabitha, Tamara, Mrs. Teresa, and Mr. Todd. Me and my family send our love and prayers yall are very strong willed and i KNOW yall will make it through it. (: Prayers are sent yalls way every night. And Tiffany, My baby boy Brantley would be happy to give you bunches of clothes and i have several baby items for you, also some diapers and wipes. STAY STRONG ORR FAMILY. THE LORD IS WITH YOU ALL. (:

#1.3.1 Barrow Citizen: If this incident involved someone who was not well known it would not have gotten this much publicity or “outrage”. But that IS fair?

#1.3.2 Terry Malloy: Intoxication is NOT a crime. Alcohol has been legal in this country since the ratification of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933.

#6 So Burr: I grant you that the wording in the article is poor on this point since it states that “The bullet severed her arm, which was removed during surgery…” Severed was not the correct word for the paper to use. If his daughter’s arm was removed in surgery, he did not “Blast” his “dotter’s arm clean off”.

#7 Law must prevail: If this incident were being “covered up” the Sheriff probably would not have spoken to the newspaper about it. Generally when someone is trying to perform a “cover up” they do not make statements to the media.

#8 John Jay: Darwinism is about the survival of the fittest. Everyone survived according to this article. Therefore, “Darwinism at its finest” in no way applies.

#10 dispute: IF he is prosecuted he should then have a trial. IF he is found guilty of a crime then perhaps he should be fired if the County Personnel Policy was violated. Your way is just not American.

#11.1 AL: This case is NOT before the SUPREME COURT. It hasn’t even gone to the county court system yet. No where in the article did it state that the case was before the Supreme Court.

#11.1 AL: A “new soul” has not been born. No where in the article did it state that a baby was born.

#12.1 ????: The article states that he picked up a rifle apparently planning to shoot himself and when several family members attempted to get the gun away it fired hitting himself and his daughter. If you are wielding a firearm that discharges and the bullet strikes someone… then you shot them, intentional or not.

#15 NA: Todd Orr is not one of “BARROW COUNTY’S FINEST”. Policemen are known as “Finest” Firemen are known as “Bravest”.

#29 One mad person: Yes, his child was shot, however, she is not a minor (that means she is older than 18). “Cruelty to children” does not apply.

A man KILLED his mother with a crossbow while she slept and the story only got 9 comments in over 2 years. This story is only 2 days old and already has 33 comments. Because he is well known he is getting more scrutiny and horrific things said about him in a public forum. Somehow this is fair for the Orr family? Some of you are way too ready to grab your pitchforks and torches! Many people are not charged with a crime after an accidental shooting.

I am 47 yrs old and have known this family all my life! To all you idiots out there that don't know them, i agree with Todd's daughter Tabitha, keep your mouths shut!!!!! From a young teen age young man Todd lost both his parents and raised his two younger brothers all by himself!! And by the way did a great job of it! Todd works very hard at two jobs to provide for his family and cooks for the needy and gives food for Christmas!!! "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone"!!! THAT WOULD BE NO NOT ONE IN THIS WORLD! To Todd and Tiffany there is people in this world who loves you both very much and knows that all will be ok and worked out between you two!!! We have ALL come short of the Glory of God!!! Who are you all "IDIOTS" out there casting JUDGEMENT think you are anyway??? MIND YO ON BUSINESS!!! Love to the Orr Family, Connie